Florida residents converged on the state capitol Wednesday to lobby for better animal welfare laws. Humane Lobby Day is sponsored by The Humane Society of the United States, GREY2K USA and the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals®). Rep. Jared Moskowitz, D-Coral Springs, joined animal advocates in support of HB 851, a bill he sponsors that would strengthen the animal cruelty law and add animal fighting and baiting as a racketeering offense.

Rep. Moskowitz said: “Standing up and fighting against animal cruelty is giving a voice to the voiceless, defense to the defenseless and HB 851 does just that.”

Kate MacFall, The HSUS’ Florida state director, said: “Humane Lobby Day is an opportunity for legislators to meet with Florida residents who are concerned about seeing improved animal welfare laws. On behalf of every member of The Humane Society of the United States in Florida, I ask our legislators to take these messages to heart.”

Ann Church, vice president of state affairs for the ASPCA, said: “The ASPCA is encouraged by the support for animal welfare in Florida, and we look forward to continuing to work with these dedicated citizen lobbyists to further enhance protections for animals throughout the state.”

In addition to HB 851, Humane Lobby Day participants met with their state legislators to express support for a disclosure requiring puppy sellers to post information in stores and online about puppies’ origins and to pass stronger protections for racing greyhounds.

GREY2K USA Executive Director Carey Theil said: “It’s time to pass stronger protections for these magnificent dogs, including greyhound decoupling and greyhound injury reporting. Florida now has a majority of all operational greyhound racetracks in the country.”

Membership

The Humane Society of the United States (HSUS) is registered as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. Contributions to The Humane Society of the United States are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390.